Keeping Your Cat Safe from Fleas & Ticks
Even cats that spend their whole lives indoors are still at risk from fleas and ticks. Cats can escape your home, pick up parasites from other pets, or fleas can come in from outside. Keep your cats safe from flea and tick infestations by following these parasite prevention tips from Stave Lake Veterinary Hospital in Mission, B.C.
Groom Your Cat Regularly
It may take many flea bites before your cat starts scratching more than usual. Brushing or combing your cat at least every other day lets you check for these tiny pests. It also helps you check for other health problems like bumps, bald spots, and sores that should be looked at by a veterinarian.
Vacuum Regularly
One of the best weapons that cat owners have in the war against fleas is a vacuum cleaner. The heat and bumpy journey created by a basic vacuum are enough to kill fleas. One study by Ohio State University found that a vacuum killed 96% of adults and 100% of juvenile fleas. Be sure to vacuum where your cat regularly sleeps, as well as your carpeting and furniture. Fleas can hatch as soon as two days after the eggs are laid, so vacuuming at least once per week helps eliminate young fleas.
Never Bring Home Furniture Left in the Trash
Any furniture, for people or cats, left out on a curb or next to a skip or dumpster is meant for trash. Although it may seem in good condition, the furniture could harbor hard-to-see pests like bedbugs, fleas, and flea eggs.
Use Flea and Tick Prevention
Our veterinarians have spot-on treatments and monthly chewable tablets that kill fleas and ticks when they bite your cat. Spot-on treatments are placed between your cat’s shoulder blades. Only use treatments that are designed for cats. Treatments made for dogs are too strong for cats.
Contact Our Veterinarians at Stave Lake Veterinary Hospital
If you have questions about parasite prevention for your cats and live in or around Mission or Maple Ridge, contact our team at Stave Lake Veterinary Hospital to speak with one of our veterinarians. Call our team today at (604) 286-0160 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.